Obituary of GIRARD – Joe

July 20, 1917 – March 9, 2011 Girard, Joe, beloved husband of Betty, passed away on March 9th at the age of 93 years. Joe was born in Sawridge, Alberta and raised in Philadelphia, returning to Canada on his Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1935, at the age of eighteen. He trained as a Sheet Metal Journeyman at SAIT, then joined the Royal Canadian Army and served as a Sergeant overseas in WWII for six years, where in London, he met and married Betty, the love of his life. They settled in Edmonton near family and friends, eventually moving to Lethbridge where Joe worked for CP Air and also opened a family-run business: Bae Run Kennels, a popular boarding, breeding and training facility. Joe was recognized as one of the top dog trainers in the province, yielding many field trial champions over the years. Joe was actively involved in the Southern Alberta Kennel club, and enjoyed hunting, curling and golf. They moved to Calgary where Joe worked with Field Aviation, retiring with Betty to enjoy golf, mentor students at SAIT, garden, and, Joe handcrafted a scale model replica of the ship HMS Victory at eighty-eight years of age. Joe will sadly be missed by Betty and his children Michael (Evelyn), Brian (Wendy), Glenn (Maureen) and Joanne (Robert) and grandchildren: Rodney (Laura), Ryan, Michelle, Greg; Rebecca, Kyle; Evan, Claire, Montanna and Phil; and niece Deanne Kondrat, and her children Gisele, Theresa, Janet, Roger and their families. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Betty and her family sincerely thank Dr. Shankel and the Sarcee Hospice staff for their compassion, exceptional care and kindness to Joe in his final days. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Carewest Sarcee Hospice, 3504 Sarcee Road SW, Calgary, Alberta T3E 4T4. In living memory of Joseph Girard, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.